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Letters of Note is an attempt to gather and sort fascinating letters, postcards, telegrams, faxes, and memos. Scans/photos where possible. Fakes will be sneered at. Updated as often as possible; usually each weekday.

Howard Junker is the editor of ZYZZYVA, a literary journal based in San Fransisco, and as such receives a steady stream of submissions from writers eager to see their work published in his magazine. Understandably, Junker sends out a standard form letter when rejecting work. An example can be seen below, complete with the handwritten 'Onward!' that adorns every single one.

Please forgive me for returning your work and for not offering comments or suggestions. I would like to say something to make up for my ungraciousness, but I don't think a few quick remarks would really help. The truth is I have so little space, I must return almost everything -99%- of what's sent to me, including a lot that interests me and even some pieces I admire. (Also, I make mistakes; my taste is erratic, my judgment flawed.)

The important thing is this: Do not be discouraged by this or any other momentary setback. The road is long; the struggle must go on.

Then, too, the ways of the Muse are strange. When she does visit again, I hope you will give her my best regards.

Onward!

Keep the faith.
Yours,

(Signed)

Howard Junker
Editor

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The Letters of Note book is out October 2013; learn more here.